Free coffee at Waitrose

It's not in Clevedon and this is the first time we've got a review of a coffee that isn't. I expect it won't be the last time!

What's the reason for including this? It's interesting from the point of view that this coffee is free. As part of the myWaitrose scheme, members can get a free tea or coffee daily and it's free to join.

I was away with work for a couple of days, working in Horley, South of London. I didn't find a promising coffee shop first thing in the morning so popped into Waitrose each morning and had a free single espresso.

Things seem to be different depending on which Waitrose you go to. At this one I could only have a single espresso, not a double, which was fine with me. They used an automatic, push the button and get the coffee, machine rather than a proper espresso machine.

The coffee was acceptable, a rounded flavour, nothing distinctive but good enough for a morning stop. This wouldn't be a memorable coffee moment, nor a characterful coffee. For me it's a useful and pleasant pause on the day without costing a penny.

Rated 6/10

Arnett's Cosy Kitchen - Espresso for Jim

I went back to Arnett's this week and went for a double espresso just to make a change from my usual Americano.  No sugar this time in order to get the un-tarnished flavour.  It's true that we know the owner, but this is clearly the best coffee in the area.  It tastes so fresh and has bags of flavour.  I get a whole mixture of fruitiness, chocolate, bitterness and richness all in perfect harmony.  If you want a coffee in Clevedon, I urge you to try this place.

Jim's Double Espresso - 9/10

Hill Rd Market, Clevedon

Today’s post is a review of a takeaway espresso from the coffee shop in the Hill Road Market.  They serve coffee from Martin Cowardine roasters based in Somerset and were happy to tell me it is the “Luxury” espresso blend.

Enjoyed back at my desk this coffee has a rich and mellow flavour with well balanced acidity and bitterness. I expect this is an excellent base for Americanos and lattes and would probably be a great place to go if that’s what you enjoy. As an espresso it’s definitely satisfying and drinkable. I personally enjoy a more fruit flavour in the mix and that’s the only thing that I would ask for.

Rated 7/10. Recommended.

Tiffin Espresso

After the previous experience of the filter coffee at Tiffin (see Tiffin) I had set in my mind to go back and try the espresso, confident that I would have a better experience.

Today was that day, sun shining, wandering down the Clevedon seafront with no fixed agenda and the opportunity for a takeaway espresso was clear. Tiffin was very busy, clearly a popular place, and the staff rushed. This didn't stop them giving me a good service.

So to the coffee. Initial observations, rich aroma, thin crema, looked and smelled good. First taste, bright and acidic. On the second and third sips the acidity developed into something similar to grapefruit juice and finally became more sour and vinegar like. I didn't finish it.

Has anyone reading this visited there and how did you find the coffee? Are there any venues in the area you recommend?

Rated 4/10

Arnett's (visit #2)

A quick review following a quick coffee today at Arnett's Cosy Kitchen in Clevedon. I enjoyed a double macchiato.
Served with their customary shortbread biscuit this was a a delicious espresso base with a small amount of milk foam. Keeping to the coffee there was no trace of bitterness. Now despite what Nestle have to say "Bitterness is an essential part of the overall taste of coffee" coffee does not have to be bitter (an opinion shared at Bruce's Brew). This was a bright and fresh espresso with a rich and developing flavour. The best part was a fruit kick like blueberry at the end of the profile. Clearly fresh coffee, allowing the flavours to come through and one of the best in town.
Rated 9/10

Tiffin

There are a lot of good things to be said about Tiffin, including a great sea front location, a genuine interest and communication about the source of its products, excellent service and good food.  Now that’s said on to the coffee.Tiffin do have something to say about their coffee. This is from their website: 
“Our coffee is made using a handbuilt Italian espresso machine, using fine Brazilian beans, supplied by our own roasters just along the road in Clifton. For coffee connoisseurs, try the coffee dripper filter with our aromatic single estate coffee of the season.” 

Ah, now I must be a connoisseur, mustn’t I? Well maybe not but I was tempted into ordering the coffee dripper filter with aromatic single estate coffee. My only concern was that they maybe don’t sell enough of it to keep it fresh. 
When it arrived I asked what the coffee was. The waitress found out and reported it was a Kenyan Gatomboya. I was told to let it brew for a few minutes before placing on my cup.
This I did. First thing I noticed was that the cup wasn’t big enough to hold all the coffee from the filter. So after filling the cup I put the filter back onto its base.

First taste.. An initial bright and fruity flavour followed by more depth. An enjoyable coffee.
What started well did go downhill as the remaining coffee in the filter over-brewed and became increasing bitter, muddy and un-pleasant. I couldn’t drink it quick enough to stop it continuing to brew and in the end had to leave it.

In the interests of research I have looked at brewing guides for using the Clever Dripper, a well respected device, including one from Clifton Coffee, Tiffin’s own supplier. 
http://www.cliftoncoffee.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/BREW-Guide-04.pdf 
They all share the view that several minutes brewing should be followed by placing the filter on a mug that is big enough for all the coffee. So a good attempt from Tiffin to offer quality coffee let down by the logistics.

Scores: first sip 8/10 followed by 4/10 giving an overall score of 6/10

Corrister & White, Hill Rd, Clevedon

Corrister & White is a rather fashionable looking coffee and cake establishment.  1 shot of espresso is added to the small Americano and 2 to the large so I went for the large.... obviously.  The photo above was taken immediately on serving, as you can see, there is a complete lack of any crema and there was a slightly odd film on the coffee.  So, a bad start, but the most important aspect is always taste.... and there wasn't any.  I can honestly say that the instant freeze dried coffee I sometimes drink at home is better than this.  Yes, it tasted a bit of coffee, but that's all I can say about it.  This place might be strong on style, but it's completely lacking in substance... as is their coffee.

Jim's Americano 2/10